Garlic scapes on the menu

Garlic scapes are in season, and are turning up in a lot of people's CSA boxes and at the farmer's market. But what do you do with garlic scapes? Wondering what they are, and how to cook them? Wonder no more.

Everyone is familiar with garlic bulbs. Scapes are basically the flower stems that grow out of those bulbs. They are stems which are usually about the diameter of a pencil or a drinking straw, and they are often curly or corkscrew shaped. At the top you will find the swelling that would have become the garlic flower, if it hadn't been cut.

Garlic scapes have to be cut in order to prevent the garlic from going to seed. Luckily for garlic growers, they are edible and delicious. Sometimes they are sold bundled with the green leaves of the garlic, which are yummy and edible as well. All parts of the scapes and the leaves are edible and deliciously garlic flavored.

Scapes can be treated just like garlic, although they have a more delicate flavor that can get lost in things like sauces or other strongly flavored meals. When finely chopped or cut into fine slivers they can be added to tuna salad or regular salads. You can also mince and saute them to bring out some of the flavor, then serve them over mashed potatoes or with corn. They also do well in a stir fry with other mild vegetables like mushrooms and carrots.

Here are some great other ideas for how to cook with garlic scapes:

1. Pickled scapes
This simple recipe for refrigerator pickles can really bring out the tenderness in fresh scapes. And it's so easy!

2. Bacon-wrapped garlic scapes
Wrap each scape in a slice of bacon, then cook them in a skillet until brown. WOW that sounds good!

3. Garlic scape pesto
Made with slivered almonds (or substitute walnuts if you prefer), this quick and easy pesto will really bring out the flavor.

Image courtesy Flickr/grongar